183P
Historical Trauma Among Indigenous Peoples in Taiwan: Impact on Alcohol Use and the Protective Role of Traditional Practices
Evidence show alarming health disparities among indigenous communities in Taiwan. The prevalence of indigenous alcohol use is two times higher than the national average in Taiwan. Alcohol-involved accidental injuries and illness are now the leading cause of death among Taiwanese indigenous people. Many studies have focused on socioeconomic status, family dynamics, biological factors and psychosocial factors as determinants of Taiwanese indigenous alcohol use. However, few empirical studies have explored the influence of historical context on indigenous peoples’ use of alcohol. In order to enrich the understanding of alcohol use among indigenous communities in Taiwan, this study uses a historical trauma framework to investigate historical determinants of Taiwanese indigenous people’s alcohol use, with a special attention on Truku tribal people. Historical trauma theory emphasizes that contemporary indigenous health outcomes (e.g., substance abuse) are the long reaching effects of historically traumatic events.
Methods:
Data & Sample: This study used a community-engagement approach that involves collaborating with Truku tribe. Similar to many global and Taiwanese indigenous communities, Truku people have experienced a history of colonial oppression, such as forced relocation and prohibition of traditional and cultural practices. Analysis drew on qualitative data from 30 Truku tribal members (20-83 years) who live in a rural locale in the East Taiwan. Participants included tribal leaders, elders, adults and young adults.
Analysis: We used semi-structured interviews to explore the influence of historically traumatic events on Truku people’s alcohol use. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis approach, which involved both within- and cross-case analysis to identify major themes. To provide cultural validity, findings were reviewed with tribal leaders as they were developed.
Findings:
Data analysis reveals that “drinking heavily is not allowed” in Truku’s tradition, but the frequency of Truku people’s alcohol use increased following the colonization of Taiwan. Three major themes related to historical determinants of alcohol use emerged: 1) cumulative stress of historically traumatic events; 2) alcohol use as stress coping strategy; and 3) the role of traditional practices in alleviating alcohol use. Participants mentioned that government policies spurred historically traumatic events such as: loss of lands, culture and traditional practices that subsequently influenced Truku people’s relationship with alcohol. Participants also reported that excessive drinking is used to cope with cumulative stress, relating from historical traumatic events. Furthermore, participants emphasized that traditional practices (e.g., hunting and returning to ancestral mountains), help address some of the root causes of excessive drinking among Truku people.
Implications:
Viewing alcohol use within historical context provides a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary alcohol usage among indigenous communities in Taiwan. Findings support historical trauma framework and demonstrate that historically traumatic events are one of the major causes of the change in Truku people’s drinking behaviors. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of traditional practices as protective factors to mitigate the negative influence of historically traumatic events on Truku people’s alcohol use. Future intervention should explore the role traditional cultural practices can play in ameliorating historical trauma and alleviating negative drinking behaviors among Indigenous peoples.